crow25

Looking for a recommendation on a quaint hotel and things to do before a cruise. Thanks

Dukey1

I recently booked a hotel not too far from Southampton as an alternative to London prior to a cruise in October.

My only advice would be to read the terms and conditions re cancellations and refunds carefully. I would also carefully read reviews. "Quaint" is attractive to many as are those pictures of vine-covered walls and gorgeous gardens.

However, in my case, when I continually read that there is "mismatched furniture" and that "we had to sleep with the windows open at night because we couldn't control the bedroom heat" and the "Michelin 1-star restaurant is both overpriced and you get little to eat" I start to get concerned about "quaint" or whatever you want to call it.

BUT, after all, these are Trip Advisor reviews and we all know how false those are.

Good luck.

nini

We plan to stay at the inn located on the grounds of Stourhead. Hope to tour the gardens and maybe try to see Salisbury or Winchester Cathedral.

crow25

Nini, does the inn have a name? Is it close to the dock where the cruise ships depart? Thanks!

crow25

Yes Duckey1, I do know what you mean. What was the name of your hotel do u remember? I'll be sure and avoid it. Thanks

janisj

>>We plan to stay at the inn located on the grounds of Stourhead. Hope to tour the gardens and maybe try to see Salisbury or Winchester Cathedral.<<

>>Nini, does the inn have a name? Is it close to the dock where the cruise ships depart? Thanks!<<

crow25: Stourhead is nowhere near Southampton/the docks. It is about 50 miles and 90+-ish minutes by car. nini is wanting to sightsee @ Stourhead/Salisbury/Winchester. On the other hand it sounds like you want a hotel right IN Southampton. I cant't help you w/ that since I've never stayed in the city itself.

annhig

We've not stayed at the pub at Stourhead but we did have lunch there a couple of years ago which was reasonably good and decent sized portions. it should be fun. not necessarily the sort of place that Dukey's looking for [do you really care that the wardrobe and chest of drawers don't match if you're staying in the middle of the countryside so long as the bed's clean and comfy?] - but I'd certainly stay there.

http://www.spreadeagleinn.com

Crow - there are plenty of standard chain hotels near the docks in Southampton - Ibis, Novotel, Hilton, Holiday Inn, etc., etc,.

evecolorado

How much time will you have in Southampton--when will you be arriving in So'ton and when does your cruise ship depart?

Gordon_R

I strugle to think of anything in Southampton itself that's quaint. Reason: the medieval city centre was flattened during WW2 by German air-raids, and the post-war buildings that replaced them are devoid of charm, though the random selection of modern chain hotels near the docks would certainly suffice if you are just looking for a practical option to spend the night before a cruise.

Another suggestion that might be worth considering is the New Forest - a national park full of "quaint" villages and bucolic scenes that is only a 20-30 minute drive west of Southampton docks. There are many atmospheric hotels, particularly in and around the villages of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst.
http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/

Nonconformist

There are one or two old buildings in Southampton, but I agree I can't think of any "quaint" hotels there.

Timings (when do you get to S, and when does your cruise leave), mode of transport and budget would be helpful.

MmePerdu

I suggest staying in Winchester, rather than Southampton before your cruise. I did and it worked perfectly, a short ride from the docks by car service.